Review: ULoad, Digital e-load Vending Machine

I would always shake my head whenever my brother would complain he doesn’t have enough allowance for his daily expenses but he keeps at least two mobile phones and spend on load for both. I bet you do too. With prepaid credits selling like pancakes in the text capital of the world, an e-loading business is definitely a profitable venture. But what if you don’t have the time to tend to hundreds of customers daily? Time to invest on an automated kiosk: ULOAD.

Your typical sari-sari store scenario involves the load seller with his/her mobile phone (may vary from one to three units depending on the type of retailer sim), who will ask you to either write down your number on paper or punch it directly on the mobile phone. The entire process, in my personal experience, takes up at least 5 minutes (granted I’m the only customer at their store). The disadvantages of this method are:

Because everything is automated, the franchisee no longer needs to be physically present every time there’s a transaction except when the machine needs to be emptied of its cash inventory. A dedicated backend online system or web portal makes it easier to check the inventory.

ULOAD Machine

Measuring only 150cm x 43cm, it occupies less than one square meter of space and only requires a power source to run. This portable machine can be mounted on a wall like an ATM machine or put on top of a flat surface (stand/table). Power consumption is only 12KwH per month, based on actual usage, amounting to P120 – 200 electricity charge.

Here are some awesome features to take note of:

built-in UPS that can last for 3-4 hours during emergencies/power outage

Customer Care Team

In case you encounter a problem with the machine or did not receive your prepaid load, somebody will call you for assistance. ULOAD Philippines boasts their helpful in-house outbound call center as their differentiating factor to its competitors. Goodbye irate customers!

A dedicated customer care team monitors end-user transactions from 6AM to 1AM while franchisee concern team monitors technical issues from 8AM to 5PM, Monday to Saturdays. Just call (02) 856-2333 or email [email protected] Users can also contact the customer care team using the machine. What a way to keep customers and franchisees happy, right? 🙂

Hands On and Feedback

We were allowed to try the machine so I did a little experiment using an old 20-peso bill and 2012 series coins — denominations that the LRT/MRT vending machine are allergic of.

What I like most about the machine is the ease of usage. On-screen instructions (available in English and Tagalog) are pretty much straightforward that even those who are not used to touch screens can operate the machine. It also gives out verbal instructions which is cool!

Make sure to choose the appropriate load type, especially if you’re adding credits to a broadband SIM.

Step 4: Enter your desired amount.

Last step is to feed the machine with my money which it accepted without problems. It accepts anything from 1, 5 and 10 peso coins and 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 peso bills. Take note that there’s a P1 service charge for transactions P50 and below.

Step 5: Verify your details and insert your money.

The machine doesn’t actually give out change, so I suggest you give an exact amount. Just in case, your excess money will be stored as credits under your mobile number and will be in the system for 120 days. That means the next time you have to load, you don’t need to put in any money at all (given you have enough credits).

I didn’t get to capture the success message but I was able to get my load in less than 10 seconds! It’s that fast!

Interested in a ULOAD franchise?

Invest P8,000 for a three-year contract and you get an initial load inventory of P10,000, refundable depending on your usage at the end of contract. The minimum monthly sales (P18,000) might raise some brows but the key is choosing the good location — means more income for you and reducing your ROI as well. There’s an expanded franchise package with a 2.5% higher income margin.

Own as many units as you like! Download the Customer Information Sheet, fill it up and send it ([email protected]) to apply! If you’re approved and you’ve used the CIS form above (do not delete existing information), you get to enjoy extra two months on your franchise contract!

The only downside for me is u can only avail the machine for franchise I mean u have a 3yrs contract then or investment is 20k then if the owner doesn’t like the way u earn everyday I mean If u only earn 300 a day they will cancel our contract then u can get back the 12 k as 20k na in invest mo pag they cancel the contract so sila lang kumita diba bkit di nalang sell the unit to people where tayo any may control Hindi Silva ganun din naman page naubos na load sa kanila din tayo magpapaload well Sana ibenta Nyo nalang un unit like coffee vending machine na nakikita talaga in kita

Nobody wants to not earn money so you need to be strategic in where you place your machine. You have to do your research first. Tsaka they will advice you naman if the area will not be a good location and probably suggest alternatives. Since it’s a franchise, you pay for royalties one way or another. In this case, that happens when the contract is terminated unlike in other types of businesses where you pay for it monthly. 🙂

Hello! :]

Dems Angeles is a techlifestyle + arts & culture blogger based in Manila, Philippines. Get in touch for inquiries on collaborations, sponsorships, product features or reviews, advertisements and the like 🙂